Holiday festivities take off this weekend with a parade, outdoor ice skating, Santa visits, ornament making and holiday craft fairs. Plus, don't miss the American Indian Heritage Celebration, STEM fun at Marbles Kids Museum and a celestial concert.

Enjoy free celebrations of the opening of the Sassafras All Children’s Playground and the Ann and Jim Goodnight Park in Raleigh. In Durham, catch free live theater and experience a Touch-a-Truck event.

Children and parents with special needs — and those without — have reason to celebrate Saturday, Nov. 5, with the opening of the Sassafras All Children’s Playground at Laurel Hills Park in north Raleigh.